Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Leech and Lord Willetts

Thursday 13th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Willetts]

We are absolutely committed to ensuring that such loans are taken up. We are very much looking forward to ensuring that they help to spread training opportunities for adult learning, to which we have a clear commitment.

[Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)]

I know that my right hon. Friend is aware of the concern about the future of northern museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry. Will BIS Ministers discuss with colleagues in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport how best we can protect the future of our science museums, which are so important in encouraging young people into careers in science?

[Mr Willetts]

We absolutely understand the importance of science museums and the communication work that they undertake, and of course we recognise their significant role.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Leech and Lord Willetts

Thursday 14th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)]

Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that the poorest 30% of graduates would pay less than they do now if the Browne review were to be implemented. However, potential students do not automatically assume that they are going to be among the bottom 30%, so any increase in tuition fees would surely be a disincentive for them to apply to go to university, even if they would ultimately be better off.

[Mr Willetts]

We can see from the evidence that the introduction of fees by the previous Labour Government did not have the effect that many people in all parts of the House feared. In reality, we have seen an increase in the number of applications from students from poorer backgrounds, because they knew that they would not have to pay up-front fees. That key feature of the system would be maintained under Lord Browne’s proposals.